Pet Ownership in Canada: A Complete Guide for Newcomers
By WelcomeAide Team
Pet Ownership Culture in Canada
Canada is one of the most pet-friendly countries in the world. According to the Canadian Animal Health Institute, approximately 58% of Canadian households own at least one pet. Dogs and cats are the most popular, but Canadians also keep fish, birds, reptiles, and small mammals. Pets are considered members of the family, and there are strong animal protection laws in Canada at both the federal and provincial levels. Whether you are bringing your pet from your home country or planning to adopt in Canada, understanding the rules and responsibilities is essential.
As a newcomer, you should know that pet ownership in Canada involves ongoing costs for food, veterinary care, grooming, and supplies, as well as legal requirements like licensing and following local bylaws. Many landlords have restrictions on pets, which can make finding housing more challenging. However, with proper planning, pet ownership is very manageable and incredibly rewarding.
Licensing Your Pet
Most Canadian municipalities require dogs (and sometimes cats) to be licensed. A pet license is a tag that attaches to your pet's collar and contains a unique number linked to your contact information. If your pet gets lost, the license tag helps animal control officers return your pet to you quickly. Licensing fees vary by city but typically range from $20 to $50 per year for a spayed or neutered pet, and $50 to $100 for an unaltered pet.
To license your pet, contact your local municipal government or visit their website. You will usually need proof of rabies vaccination, proof of spay or neuter (if applicable), and your contact information. Some cities allow online registration and payment. Failure to license your pet can result in fines, so make sure to register within the required timeframe after moving to a new municipality.
Veterinary Costs in Canada
Veterinary care in Canada is not covered by any public health plan, so all costs come out of your own pocket unless you have pet insurance. Understanding typical veterinary costs will help you budget appropriately. A routine annual checkup costs between $50 and $100. Core vaccinations (rabies, distemper, parvovirus for dogs; rabies, FVRCP for cats) cost $80 to $200 per year. Spaying or neutering costs $200 to $500 depending on the animal's size and your location.
Emergency and Specialty Care
Emergency veterinary visits can be very expensive, often starting at $200 to $500 just for the examination fee, with treatment costs potentially reaching thousands of dollars for serious conditions like surgeries or hospitalizations. Dental cleaning for pets costs $300 to $800. If your pet develops a chronic condition requiring ongoing medication, you could spend $50 to $200 per month on prescriptions.
Pet insurance is worth considering, especially for dogs that are prone to breed-specific health issues. Monthly premiums range from $30 to $80 for dogs and $20 to $50 for cats, depending on the coverage level, breed, and age of the pet. Popular pet insurance providers in Canada include Trupanion, Fetch, and Pets Plus Us. Insurance typically covers accidents, illnesses, and sometimes preventive care, but pre-existing conditions are not covered.
Finding Pet-Friendly Rentals
One of the biggest challenges for pet owners in Canada is finding rental housing that allows pets. Many landlords in Canada include no-pet clauses in their leases, although the rules vary by province. In Ontario, no-pet clauses are generally unenforceable under the Residential Tenancies Act, meaning landlords cannot evict you solely for having a pet (with some exceptions). In British Columbia, landlords can restrict pets, but they cannot charge a pet damage deposit greater than half a month's rent.
When searching for pet-friendly rentals, be upfront about your pet in your rental application. Provide references from previous landlords, offer a pet resume with photos and details about your pet's behavior and training, and be willing to pay any allowed pet deposits. Websites like Rentals.ca, PadMapper, and Kijiji allow you to filter for pet-friendly listings. You can also explore our housing guide for newcomers for more tips on finding rental housing.
Importing Pets to Canada
If you are bringing a pet with you from another country, you must comply with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) requirements for importing animals. The requirements vary depending on the type of animal and the country of origin. For dogs, you will generally need a valid rabies vaccination certificate showing that the vaccination was administered at least 28 days before arrival. Puppies under three months old that have not been vaccinated for rabies may require additional documentation.
For cats, the requirements are less strict. Cats from the United States need no specific documentation, but cats from other countries generally need a rabies vaccination certificate. Birds, reptiles, and exotic pets have their own specific import requirements and may require permits. Always check the CFIA website well in advance of your travel date to ensure you have all the necessary documentation.
Airline Requirements
Each airline has its own rules for transporting pets. Small dogs and cats can often travel in the cabin in an approved carrier for a fee of $50 to $150 per flight. Larger animals must travel in the cargo hold in an approved crate, which can cost $200 to $500 or more depending on the size and route. Some airlines restrict pet travel during extreme temperatures. Book your pet's travel well in advance, as airlines limit the number of pets per flight.
Microchipping and Identification
Microchipping is the most reliable form of permanent identification for your pet. A microchip is a tiny electronic device, about the size of a grain of rice, that is implanted under your pet's skin by a veterinarian. It contains a unique identification number linked to your contact information in a national database. If your pet is found, any veterinary clinic or animal shelter can scan the microchip and contact you.
Microchipping costs between $50 and $80 and is a one-time expense. Some municipalities in Canada are beginning to require microchipping as part of the licensing process. Even if it is not mandatory in your area, microchipping is strongly recommended. Collars and tags can fall off, but a microchip is permanent. Make sure to keep your contact information updated in the microchip registry, especially if you move.
Municipal Bylaws and Responsible Ownership
Every municipality in Canada has bylaws that govern pet ownership. Common bylaws include leash laws (dogs must be on a leash in public areas unless in a designated off-leash park), stoop and scoop laws (you must pick up after your pet), noise bylaws (excessive barking can result in complaints and fines), and limits on the number of pets per household. Some municipalities have breed-specific legislation that restricts or bans certain dog breeds.
Responsible pet ownership also means providing adequate food, water, shelter, exercise, and socialization for your pet. Canada's Criminal Code includes animal cruelty provisions, and provincial animal protection acts provide additional safeguards. Penalties for animal cruelty can include fines, jail time, and prohibition from owning animals.
Adopting from the SPCA or Humane Society
If you are looking to get a pet in Canada, adopting from an SPCA (Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) or humane society is an excellent choice. Adoption fees are significantly lower than buying from a breeder, typically ranging from $100 to $400 for dogs and $75 to $200 for cats. The adoption fee usually includes spaying or neutering, vaccinations, microchipping, and a health check, which represents significant savings compared to paying for these services separately.
The adoption process typically involves filling out an application, meeting the animal, and sometimes a home visit or interview. Shelters want to ensure a good match between the pet and the adopter. Be honest about your living situation, experience with pets, and the time you can dedicate to a new animal. Many shelters also offer fostering programs, which allow you to care for an animal temporarily before committing to adoption.
WelcomeAide is here to help newcomers with every aspect of settling in Canada. Our AI Newcomer Navigator can answer your questions about pet ownership, housing, and more. Explore our blog for more newcomer guides, learn about our mission, or see how to get involved in supporting newcomer communities across Canada.